Singers know that learning new techniques to better use our ‘instrument’ is time well spent and makes the choral / solo performance more rewarding and fulfilling. But, just what is ‘proper’ vocal technique and support; what does it feel like? And how do we transition smoothly through our vocal ‘break’ to move from lower to higher notes in any given melody?

This past weekend EKO Singers had the privilege of working with the accomplished New York City jazz singer/conductor/teacher, Brenda Earle Stokes (www.brendaearle.com). Brenda helped answer these questions and more. This was a huge opportunity for EKOS and arranged for us by our very own Paula Roberts.

Brenda works with us on one of our songs.

Our time with Brenda began on Friday evening. Now, I don’t know about you, but sometimes all I want to do on a Friday evening is ‘crash’ after a full week’s work. However, within minutes we were all drawn in by Brenda’s vibrant personality and strong vocal knowledge. I’ve been the recipient of vocal technique instruction that has at times been a bit vague and esoteric; not so with Brenda! Her communication style is clear, demonstrative and direct. Before long she had us exploring our ‘Deep Hooty White Owl’ sounds and our ‘High, Tiny Saw-whet Owl’ sounds, and very quickly we heard positive results - our tuning improved, our choral sound became more unified. From there, she taught us proper vocal breathing technique and by incorporating this, our musical phrases lengthened and became more sustained. We were making beautiful music together and there is nothing quite as exhilarating as the feeling of a choir ‘in sync’ – the whole is so much bigger than the sum of the parts.

A marvellous teacher.

Before we knew it, it was 10:00 pm! That’s what good teaching does! It fully engages us and time just flies. Fortunately for EKOS, our workshop with Brenda had just begun. Next morning, bright and early, we reunited for a full day’s work to build on the knowledge we had gained the previous night, to further develop our skills, and to explore the dark, warm, bright and brassy sounds of our chest, mix and head registers. This is required of all singers who want to perform different styles of music. After all, good singing practice is required of all singers whether we perform classical, pop, jazz or country music. Using our new techniques, we rehearsed current repertoire to transform it and bring it to life. It was so much fun!!

Brenda Earle Stokes is not only a very accomplished instructor; she is very giving of her time and knowledge. She actively encouraged each of us to ask questions and she allowed ample time to answer them and address any issues we might be having - both individually and as a group. As was the case on Friday night, our time together on Saturday passed all too quickly.

At The Blue Chair

One thing about singers is that after a ‘good sing’ we love to eat, drink and socialize. So, we headed to the Blue Chair Café http://bluechair.ca/ to enjoy dinner together, take in Brenda’s performance (vocals, keyboard) and to perform as her ‘back-up group’ on the song titled, ‘The Human Heart’. We were all accompanied by some of our favourite local musicians, Josh McHan, on double bass; Dan Skakun, on drums; and EKOS’ own Charlie Austin on keyboards. It was an evening of good music in the good company of friends - a perfect ‘capper’ for this stimulating musical weekend - doesn’t get much better than that for a singer.